Azrael's Merryland

Olympus camera users let's go to Photo World Asia 2012 today!

2012-01-28T12:22:00.002+08:00

check out this invitation for a free photo shoot activity and see our top make up and body paint artist Cha Reyes do an on the spot body painting exhibition at the Olympus camera booth.

1st winner of Catch me if you can FB-Twitter contest

2012-01-28T03:57:00.004+08:00

Suddenly, I got bored while eating my dinner in Chicken Deli, SM North EDSA, I'm so depressed because I'll miss that 6:30pm movie in Gateway Mall. Riko, a friend of mine sent a message via Facebook and he invited me to visit his store in SM North EDSA, since I'm already inside the mall, I decided to pay him a visit and check out his caricature art business. Then I got this crazy idea that I posted on my Facebook and Twitter that I'll award the 1st person to meet me inside SM North EDSA and infront of that Karikatyur store.

After 30 minutes, Someone from the Twittersphere who is my follower, called my name as I left the Karikatyur store, then she introduced herself as "Maya" and she said that she read my Tweet about this meet up contest ek ek.

I'm so happy that one of my many followers in Twitter did the challenge and meet me inside SM North EDSA. I gave her a dinner GC for Chicken Deli and two movie passes for Gateway Cineplex. Congrats Maya!

I'll announce on the spot in my Facebook and Twitter walls on where I am and what prize will be received if they meet up or catch me whenever I am here in Manila. Fun game ito di ba?

On the set of Bourne Legacy movie in EDSA-Taft

2012-01-28T02:50:00.003+08:00

There are some traffic build up happening in Baclaran area, but it was weird to see that there's no traffic in EDSA-Taft, when I arrived in the MRT station, I saw lots of people crowding on the side near SOGO and people up from the over pass are looking at something. I saw that the movie crew of Bourne Legacy are busy setting up their cameras, ropes, wires and even that heavy machinery. Its uzi time for pinoys that's uzisero for you! meaning we pinoys love to watch, investigate and get involved by just looking. I was hoping to see the stars of the movie..Rachel Weisz and Jeremy Renner.

more photos below

I took some photos of the set, but I'm not sure if these are really the set or could be a set for camera shots. Then I saw on the news on our local TV that Rachel and Jeremy were spotted with the movie crew crossing in the EDSA highway going to the main set location nearby. Then a group of people of uziseros followed them.

People are standing on the side...waiting for something

people above the over pass stares into something

I also spotted some movie crew fixing their gears in the roof of the MRT station

When I entered the MRT station, I saw that they improvised a stairs going to the roof of the MRT, i just saw this set up for the 1st time, they opened up the ceiling of the station just to climb up easily to the roof.

Too bad, I don't have any pics of the actors..

Free outdoor movie screening in Bonifacio High Street tonight

2012-01-27T09:35:00.004+08:00

If you are looking for a free movie screening, or you have free time and want to hang out in an open air or in a mall, or maybe you need to hang out with lots of people, or you have a date and you want to take her to a place something special and unique, if you say YES, then I advise that you try this free movie screening tonight in Bonifacio High Street as Cinemanila brings you their "Moonlight Series", watch a movie under the glowing full moon in Global City. Their going to show the movie entitled "Strictly Ballroom", 1992 film by Australian director Bahz Luhrman. Watch the trailer here about the Moonlight Series.

January 27, 2012

7:00 pm | Bonifacio High Street | Activity Pod 4 (Across Starbucks) | Bonifacio Global City | Taguig

I just remember the "Digital Sunsets 2002" in the past that we do those film screening outside the Manila Film Center back in early 2000's with Ed Cabagnot and we watch movies, indie films and watch live performances of indie musicians. I'm glad Cinemanila organizes this awesome event and I hope it will turn a regular series every Friday, I wonder what happened to that outdoor screening that was organized back then, I think they tied up with K-lite FM, and they showed Jurassic Park movie and we listened the audio of the movie inside the car via the fm radio. I hope that outdoor screening or drive tru movies will be resurrected.

5 days in Medical City with Ash

2012-01-27T01:03:00.004+08:00

We have already plans of going out on the following weekend, I even heard that my wife want to eat in a nice resto and have our own mini food tour, and then we also plan to go shopping for baby items for that upcoming Baby fair event, but everything changes and our plan didn’t pushed through, two days ago before that weekend, my wife and baby Ash got sick, I was in Manila that night attending some meeting and my wife texted me that both of them are sick. I told her that it might be the cold weather that evening that causes the chills and mild fever.

After I arrived home and went to bed, then my wife came into the room and woke me up and she said that baby Ash is having a fever, we gave some medicines to him right away and we got worried that this might be another fever episodes that we experienced last May 2011, so in the next morning, Ash is okay and active, but he keeps on refusing to eat his meal and spits out of the food he ate. Then at night he gets the fever again and now the worry came back again, on the next day, we decided to take Ash for a medical check up, then the doctors ordered a CBC just to make sure what’s the cause of the fever, then they told us that the result of the CBC will be available on Sunday and if Ash became sick again we should bring him back to Medical City.

I was suppose to go to Baguio on that weekend, an assignment came in and it require me to travel and stay there for two days, but then my wife requested that I should stay because we are not yet sure if Ash will be sick again and we have to wait for the medical results of the CBC. So I stayed here at home and then we got a call that the CBC is available, after a call from the doctor, and the findings are so familiar, Ash’s white blood cell count increases and it means that there’s an ongoing infection through his body, we decided to travel from Cavite to Medical City, and the plan of going there is a last minute plan, our family driver is out of town that day and the only choice we have to do is travel via bus.

It was like having a little family outing, Ash riding the public bus for the first time, I’m glad that there’s a one way ride going to Ortigas. After the doctor’s check up, we decided to confine baby Ash in the hospital, so that we can have peace of mind and be sure that he is in good hands. So that’s day 1 in Medical City.

Day 2 came in and the findings of the 3rd CBC reveals that Ash’s white blood cells starts to increase more, so we allow the nurse put an I.V. to Ash, I was not around when they plug that needle with hose to him, I just can’t watch him cry and scream….but I’m glad I wasn’t there..I might even cry too. I just prayed here at home that everything will be fine and okay. When I arrive in the hospital, I saw Ash tired and saw the I.V. plugged to his right hand covered with a disposable diaper for protection. The challenge started when Ash tried to remove the diaper from his hand and became annoyed with it, he also want to walk around, run and even jump in the bed, we have no choice but to carry him and play with him, we brought all our gadgets – laptop, smartphone, tablet and portable dvd player, just to give him some entertainment while waiting for full recovery.

Day 3 , Same day, same activity, we are still waiting for the blood test and bacteria culture just to know what trigger that fever and white blood cell increase. I got worried again that hospital expenses are increasing too, but I didn’t even think of it again and all I want is that my baby boy’s recovery back to health. But I’m very impressed that the medical finding and procedures to search for an answer to all our puzzles in Medical City are like from those tv series and movies, I understand that the blood tests and bacteria culture are a very important role in our case, and it also answered my question that their laboratory test are so expensive. I know they have the right equipment to do all those things, so I’m sure the bacteria culprit will be identified.

Day 4 – it is a big requirement for me to be there in the hospital with my wife because the doctor will visit us an reveal the findings from Ash’s blood. I did some research before that day on the net about the causes of the increase of white blood cells, it explained on Wikipedia that there are ongoing infections on the blood cause by virus and cancer. I got so worried when I read that and when I talked to Lace on Gtalk, she got worried too that night and she doesn’t want to research it on the internet on the cause of that white blood cell increase. She didn’t know that I already read some information and that worries me too much and the sleepless night begins.

That night was like a roller coaster… I had a dream and it was very weird dream..my dream sequence reveals that my best friend back in my elementary days died, and the setting is that we are already on our adult life. We haven’t met again after graduating elementary back in 1990, and it was an eerie setting that I visited his wake and I was with my wife and baby. And then after that dream..I woke up and head to back to the hospital.

The doctors told us that they found a bacilli bacteria in Ash’s blood, the bacteria is from a virus and it infects Ash’s system causing some kind of sore throat and fever, but when the host of the virus is sleeping, the virus can evolve and mutate into other disease. Both are good news to us, the bacteria has been found, the antibiotics needed has been administred to Ash, and then Ash’s blood became normal. It was like Christmas for us when we heard that Ash can go home tomorrow.

Day 5 – I’m very excited to bring Ash home, and I know he is excited too, we fix our stuff and then wait for some papers, pay the hospital bills, and Ash became energetic again after the I.V. was removed from his hand. Thanks to the doctors and nurses of Medical City for doing a great job, thanks also to the food delivery guy for bringing in yummy hospital food.

We learned a lot of lessons here, and I hope this incident will never happen again, all we need to do is that we should not let other people or kids to touch or kiss our baby, sometimes even that the person is healthy and having no signs of any disease, if they came from a crowded place or expose with many people, they can be good carried of different kind of viruses. These viruses can stick to our body and can be transferred by physical contact, by cough, using the same utensils, and kissing.

Just watch the movie – CONTAGION and you’ll understand what I’m saying.

Today is Day 6 and we’re happy that our baby boy Ash is back again and he smiles a lot and loves to bug me while I’m working here at home, he carries his books and jump on my lap and want me to read books with him. Thanks to God that he is fine, my prayers are answered and thanks to Him and to also to my friends who prayed.

Btw, my elementary best friend is alive and okay, I visited his Facebook page and he is alive and healthy and now working in Batanes…. Wow!!!

6th Backdoor Ventures ARTS and MUSIC Festival moves to SMX this May 2012

2012-01-26T12:55:00.004+08:00

After a one year delay of the 6th Backdoor Ventures' Arts and Music Festival, we just received a heads up from event director Jay Virina via Facebook and he tag us and mentioned that "the festival just got BIGGER!"

The new venue now is at SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia. The new date was also revealed it will be on May 12-13, 2012. I'm glad that the organizers moved out from Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall and found a new venue that can cater more space for arts and music exhibitors and also a big playground for event visitors, music and art performers. It will be big blast of artistry and symphony in SM MOA and I'm sure that the venue will be utilized wisely this time...and I'm sure the other side of the SMX and the bay side will be a perfect ground for tambays after listening to some music and watch the sunset...hmmm will be best to tap my photog and bloggers group to join the festival.

check out my photo coverage below from the previous years

Come and join us

visit Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/artsandmusicfestival

Solar geomagnetic storm on Earth and Fantastic Four

2012-01-26T11:07:00.004+08:00

Did you know that our Earth just strucked by a heavy and strong "solar geomagnetic storm", the sun storm occur last Sunday and it hit Earth today and the effects are visible in the northern area of our Earth. Massive green light and colorful light glows in the northern sky and it develop large and big lights called "aurora borealis", it is an awesome sight for astronomers and also people who saw aurora borealis in a normal day in some part of the north and south of our Earth, but they say that the aurora borealis light show cause by the solar storm are much beautiful.

The solar geomagnetic storm is not that strong and it is not harmful to us humans, but according to science experts that the storm can cripple power grid and radio communication, there are reports back then that it shutdown the entire power grid of Quebec when we experience the storm last 1989, they say that the last solar storm we experienced was last 2003, and this solar storm can be experienced today and up to year 2013.

You can watch a video here on an actual footage of a solar storm in the sun

This was a big solar storm, the biggest one for years and that will affect satellites; it will cause some satellite computers to reboot, it will cause some communications difficulties in northern latitudes, but it's not big enough to cause problems to sat-nav and things like that. - Dr David Whitehouse, astronomer (source)

They had advised that our astronauts should protect themselves from the solar storm in space, because the storm rays can be harmful to humans and die of solar radiation, when I heard of this notes and advised from scientist, I started to imagine that the comic book characters from the Fantastic Four experienced the same thing, but instead of solar storm they experienced a cosmic ray exposure after an experiment gone wrong in space.

Scientists have been expecting solar eruptions to become more intense as the sun enters a more active phase of its 11-year cycle, with an expected peak in 2013. - source

This is to show that our sun is the good and the bad for Earth, too much sun is bad as they say, but we should be ready and expect a much stronger solar storm wave in the future. I just hope it is not similar to that solar flare and storm in the sci fi drama movie "The Knowing" starring Nicolas Cage, that the makers of the movie theorize that a massive solar storm can kill all living things in Earth in one big solar storm blast. Watch that movie and understand on how it will end, kinda scary and I hope aliens from Kepler planet saves us hahahah.

The idea behind the solar flare theory stems from the fact that the Sun will be reaching the peak of its current solar cycle in 2012. Solar cycles are 11 years in length and scientists seem to think the current solar cycle will be one of the worst seen by mankind at its peak. Evidence of this is a recent solar flare in January 20 of 2005 which released the highest concentration of protons ever directly measured according to "A New Kind of Solar Storm" - source

Mobile blog: my spidey shirt today

2012-01-25T20:48:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: my spidey shirt today, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: my spidey shirt today

Mobile blog: dinner in kfc after the toycon 2012 mtg

2012-01-25T20:43:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: dinner in kfc after the toycon 2012 mtg, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: dinner in kfc after the toycon 2012 mtg

2012 Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban year 13 this Saturday

2012-01-25T15:45:00.003+08:00

Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban is now on its 13th year and the event that started the annual amateur rock band competition is now scorching hot that gathers everyone who loves rock music, tattoo art and extreme sports. It is the gathering of the best of the best of Pinoy Rock as Red Horse brings them together again this year for the "Rakenrol Circus Show!"

The big event will be on January 28, 2012 at the Aseana City in Macapagal Ave. at 5PM

If you love rock music and the extreme events, then you should be here and experience the massive energy that will explode in the heart of Pasay City. I love attending Muziklaban because it proves that pinoy rock music is still alive and growing, It is the only rock event here in our country that we only hope for. rak rakan na!

To enter the event, you have to buy the ticket for a price of Php 50 and it comes with a free Red Horse Beer. This event is open to all whoa are 18 years old and above. You can also avail of the promo ticket found here at http://redhorsebeer.com/promos.php and the whole event will be broadcast live on the net here at http://redhorsebeer.com/home.php

Join the riot!!!

visit http://www.facebook.com/redhorsebeermuziklaban

More details below

You can buy the tickets at:

San Miguel Head Office Gate 3, St. Francis Ave. along Megamall They may also call 632-2226 or 632-3367

and Dickies Stores to these ff: branches

a. Metropoint Mall

b. Farmers Plaza

c. Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall

d. Ever Grand Central

e. Ever Commonwealth

Here are the finalist who will compete this Saturday

1. Curbside – Manila

2. Mind of Clay – Legazpi City, Albay

3. Zephaniah – Baguio City

4. Leviticus - Cebu City

5. David vs. Goliath - Davao City

Pinoy rock stars wil be there to perform

check out the list below

1. Pepe Smith

2. Juan dela Cruz band

3. Maria Cafra

4. The Dawn

5. Ely Buendia (as in..Ely Buendia only!!! expect Eheads and Pupil songs)

6. Red Horse Rock Ambassadors - Slapshock, Kjwan, Wilabaliw, Greyhoudz and Razorback

7. Muzilaban champs - Mayonnaise, Ibarra, Gayuma, Even, Hatankaru, Lght of Luna

8. Tanya Markova

9. Franco

10. Rocksteddy

11. Valley of Chrome

12. Chongkeys

13. Ganhava

14. Mr. Bones and Boneyard Circus

15. Giniling Festival

The event is hosted by Julia Claret, Lovi Poe and Francis Brew

also with an appearance of internationally acclaimed tattoo artist - Chris Garcia

Other circus inspired acts and side activities to enjoy:

1. Bungee Jump Trampoline

2. Rock Circus Photobooths

3. Giant Slides

4. Tarot Card Reading

5. Astig sa Tigasan Human Statues

6. Photo Wall

7. Circus Performers

8. Red Horse Beer Truck Premium Item Redemption Area

For more details, log on to www.redhorsebeer.com.

Schedules:

TIME	ACTIVITY
5:00 PM	Opening of Gates
6:00 PM	· Start of Program · Kevin Roy (Razorback) & Jamir Garcia (Slapshock) sing Red Horse Beer anthems · Grand Opening Number (The Dawn, Pepe Smith, Ely Buendia, Greyhoundz, Slapshock)
6:20 PM	2011 Pambansang Muziklaban Rock Challenge Collaborative Competition · Ian Tayao with Leviticus to perform Wilabaliw’s “Matador” · Jamir Garcia with Curbside to perform Slapshock’s “Direction” · Kevin Roy with Zephaniah to perform Razorback’s “Payaso” · Mark Abaya with Mind of Clay to perform “Daliri” · Reg Rubio with David vs Goliath to perform Greyhoundz’s “Doble Kara”
7:15 PM	Beer Break 1
7:45 PM	2010 Pambansang Muziklaban Grand Champion: Light of Luna – curtain call
8:20 PM	Awarding of 2011 Pambansang Muziklaban Grand Champion presented by: · Ms. Anne Ablaza, Brand Manager · Mr. Vince Dizon, Assistant Brand Manager · Mr. Jules Lim, Brand Associate
8:30 PM	Introduction to 70s Pinoy Rock · Juan Dela Cruz Band · Maria Cafra
9:20 PM	Introduction to 80s Pinoy Rock · Freddie Aguilar · The Dawn
10:10 PM	Beer Break 2
10:40 PM	Introduction to 90s Pinoy Rock
	· Ely Buendia · Razorback · Greyhoundz · Slapshock
12:45 AM	Beer Break 3
1:00 AM	Introduction to the New Millenium Pinoy Rock · Kjwan · Wilabaliw · Rocksteddy · Franco · Tanya Markova
3:00 AM	Special Collaboration Number of OPM (Original Pinoy Metal) Synchronized Fireworks Display · Slapshock · Greyhoundz · Wilabaliw
3:05 AM	End of Program

TIME	ACTIVITY
5:00 PM	Opening of Gates
6:00 PM	· Start of Program · Kevin Roy (Razorback) & Jamir Garcia (Slapshock) sing Red Horse Beer anthems · Grand Opening Number (The Dawn, Pepe Smith, Ely Buendia, Greyhoundz, Slapshock)
6:20 PM	2011 Pambansang Muziklaban Rock Challenge Collaborative Competition · Ian Tayao with Leviticus to perform Wilabaliw’s “Matador” · Jamir Garcia with Curbside to perform Slapshock’s “Direction” · Kevin Roy with Zephaniah to perform Razorback’s “Payaso” · Mark Abaya with Mind of Clay to perform “Daliri” · Reg Rubio with David vs Goliath to perform Greyhoundz’s “Doble Kara”
7:15 PM	Beer Break 1
7:45 PM	2010 Pambansang Muziklaban Grand Champion: Light of Luna – curtain call
8:20 PM	Awarding of 2011 Pambansang Muziklaban Grand Champion presented by: · Ms. Anne Ablaza, Brand Manager · Mr. Vince Dizon, Assistant Brand Manager · Mr. Jules Lim, Brand Associate
8:30 PM	Introduction to 70s Pinoy Rock · Juan Dela Cruz Band · Maria Cafra
9:20 PM	Introduction to 80s Pinoy Rock · Freddie Aguilar · The Dawn
10:10 PM	Beer Break 2
10:40 PM	Introduction to 90s Pinoy Rock
	· Ely Buendia · Razorback · Greyhoundz · Slapshock
12:45 AM	Beer Break 3
1:00 AM	Introduction to the New Millenium Pinoy Rock · Kjwan · Wilabaliw · Rocksteddy · Franco · Tanya Markova
3:00 AM	Special Collaboration Number of OPM (Original Pinoy Metal) Synchronized Fireworks Display · Slapshock · Greyhoundz · Wilabaliw
3:05 AM	End of Program

For Tattoo Artists (PINOY INK. TENT)

There will be a tattoo competition, demonstration and exhibit by Hollywood-famed tattoo artist and brother to Slapshock’s lead singer, Chris Garcia. All this plus a chance to view bodies decked in ink, tracing back to the roots of Pinoy tribing.

Grand Prize winner in the Tattoo Competition will get a cash prize of P8,000. Second runner up gets P4,000. Consolation prizes will also be given at P2,000 each. They will also receive a certificate from Red Horse Beer.

TIME	ACTIVITY
2:00 PM	Start of Professional Tattoo Competition by the following competing artists: 1. Jaime Tud 2. Joel Rocafort 3. Kenneth Iwarat 4. Ryan Bernardino 5. Icos Dongogan 6. Edu Ruidera
5:00 PM	Opening of Gates
6:02 PM	Introduction of Professional Tattoo Competition
6:03 PM	Valley of Chrome
6:43 PM	Introduction to Professional Tattoo Demonstration by Chris Garcia
8:44 PM	· Body Art Fashion Show of Models · Lovi Poe as guest
9:00 PM	The Chongkey's
9:40 PM	Announcement of Winners for Professional Tattoo Competition
9:55 PM	Celebrity Body Art Fashion Show of Chris Garcia’s work: · Jamir Garcia · Lee Nadela · Lean Ansing · Chi Evora
10:25 PM	Auction: Red Horse Beer Premium Items
10:35 PM	Beer Break: Astig Sa Lakas Game- Bunong Braso
10:46 PM	Even
11:26 PM	Beer Break: Astig Sa Lakas Game- Bunong Braso
11:41 PM	Auction: Red Horse Beer Premium Items
11:51 PM	Beer Break: Astig Sa Lakas Game- Bunong Braso
12:07 AM	Ganhava
12:47 AM	End of Program in Pinoy Ink Zone

For Extreme Sports Athletes (EXTREME ZONE)

Watch BMX and skateboard stunt riders show off their skills at the Extreme Sports Zone. There will be several competitions throughout the day for extreme sports enthusiasts and of course bands to rock to the beat of the daredevil stunts. Beginners are welcome to test how tough they are. And for the first time on Philippine soil, a Mega Ramp will be featured with demos by Top BMX Rider Armand Mariano. Right outside the Extreme Sports zone is a deck art and a grafitti art competition where street art is brought to life.

Skatepark competitions include:

1. BMX Flatland Contest

2. BMX Dirt ParkContest

3. Halfpipe Skateboard Contest

4. Halfpipe Contest – BMX

Prizes include:

1. Champion in each skatepark category wins P3,000; P2,000 for second runner up and P1,000 for third place.

2. For Deck Art Challenge, Champion wins P3,000; P2,000 for second runner up and P1,000 for third place.

3. For Graffiti Art Contest (per team/individual), Champion wins P5,000; P3,000 for second runner up and P1,000 for third place.

TIME	ACTIVITY
3:00 PM	Registration of Extreme Sports Athletes & Competitors
4:00 PM	Entry to Extreme Sports Area & Practice Runs
5:00 PM	Graffiti Art Challenge & Deck Art Challenge Begin BMX Flatland Contest
6:00 PM	Free Ride at the Bikepark Halfpipe Demonstration by Armand Mariano
6:46 PM	BMX Dirt Park Contest
7:46 PM	Free Ride at the Bikepark & Halfpipe Demo by Armand Mariano
8:31 PM	Halfpipe Skateboard Contest
9:31 PM	Halfpipe Contest – BMX Ibarra
10:31 PM	Mega Ramp Professional Demo by Armand Mariano
11:01 PM	Free Ride
12:03 AM	Awarding by Armand Mariano
12:30 AM	Mega Ramp Professional Demo by Armand Mariano
1:02 AM	Free Skate & Ride Gayuma
1:45 AM	END OF CAMP EXTREME ACTIVITIES

For Rakistas: (Rakrakan Zone)

Embrace Rock-ology and delve into pieces of history that help shape the Pambansang Muziklaban as we know it, today. Witness as some bands audition for the 2012 Pambansang Muziklaban Rock Challenge

See memorabilia and paraphernalia from your favorite rock icons; vintage Red Horse Beer premium items and fan photos from the Red Horse Beer official photo journalist and blogger, Ms. Nina Sandejas

TIME	ACTIVITY
5:00 PM	Opening of Gates
6:01 PM	2012 Pambansang Muziklaban Auditions
8:03 PM	Hatankaru
8:44 PM	Drum Competition by Hatankaru, Giniling Festival and Mr. Bones & the Boneyard Circus
9:29 PM	Auction: Red Horse Beer Premium Items
9:54 PM	Beer Break: Astig Sa Lakas- Bunong Braso Game
10:05 PM	Mr Bones & the Boneyard Circus
10:45 PM	Auction: Meet & Greet Mayonnaise
10:55 PM	Beer Break: Astig Sa Lakas- Bunong Braso Game
11:26 PM	Mayonnaise
12:06 AM	Auction: PML 2011 Premium Items
12:16 AM	Astig Sa Lakas- Bunong Braso Game
12:27 AM	Giniling Festival
1:12 AM	END (House Music)

2012 Chinese New Year mall launch in SM North EDSA

2012-01-23T14:05:00.004+08:00

The best part in having SM North EDSA being the largest mall in the Philippines and second in the whole world, it is also a great venue for events and annual celebrations, 2 weeks ago they just launched the mall’s Chinese New Year, like the annual Christmas mall launching, the event is high on energy and everyone watch the show and participate in the celebration, it is also important to SM North EDSA and other SM Supermalls to celebrate and welcome the year of the water dragon, because the main owners of this malls are Filipino-Chinese, and the annual Chinese New Year is already a part of our country's celebration many years ago. Let me greet you and my blog readers a happy new year or Kung Hei Fat Choy!

more below

I went there to witness the big unveiling of the mall to the public, me and my blogger friends watch the lion dance, dragon dance and exhibition, wushu demo, Chinese symphony group, Chris Tiu as the host and story teller of the event, he shared to us the story on how Chinese New Year started, the back drop showed us some animation clips about the origin of Chinese New Year and then before us, the Chinese Emperor stood up and welcome us, the Chinese Emperor is no other than Richard Yap aka Papa Chen of My Binondo Girl.

It was my first time to watch a whole lion dance exhibition, I didn’t know that they are required to do some stunts like jumping on those benches and roll in mid air, I enjoyed also the dragon dance, at first I thought that it was the boring part because the dragon is being carried on sticks and elevated on the air, carried by lots of people, it follow a dragon ball infront as it serve as the fireball guide, then during the dance and running around the hall, I saw that they do the hardest stunt like jump over in the long body of the dragon, it was the awesome attraction for me.

pinoy blogger wearing red for the Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year celebration in SM North EDSA will be great if there are fireworks, but then the production team of the event manages to simulate a virtual fireworks and fire crackers, we heard cracking sounds and then smoke machines doing its job in creating a smokey celebration, add it with lots of confetti falling every where.

Join SM North EDSA's Facebook network

visit http://www.facebook.com/smnedsa

check below my photo coverage of the launch

The water dragon statue stand in the middle of the Atrium level of City Block, SM North EDSA

Chinese Symphony group poses for a group photo op before the start of the show, at first I didn't even know that they are a choral group

Saw the Lion and Dragon dance group marching inside the mall

Chris Tiu started the show as the host of the event

Short words from the mall admin

2012 and the water dragon symbol

We call him Emperor Chen

Emperor Chen and the animal signs of Chinese calendar

Chinese symphony started to sing....one of the song that they performed is very familiar to me, I can't help my self but to sing with them.

A way of saying thank you and congratulations

more songs and now their choral master showed up in the front

Chris Tiu narrates a story about a town in China, about the people and the attack of an evil monster, but then the people uses dragon and lion dance and fireworks to scare the monster away.

Wushu demo just started, a group of kids march in kicking heavily

another wushu demo

that girl is flying during the wushu demo

this guy jumps so high

wushu exhibitionist showed us some weapons and some moves

Emperor Chen watches the wushu demo and signals them to start and to stop

cute animation on the big screen

Chris Tiu teaches us on how to greet Happy New Year in a Chinese way

the bald guy that guided the lion dance

lion dance troupe entered

i like this white lion, it jumps, blink its eye and my mind was tricked and think of it as a real lion

white lion inspects the benches

the bald guy guides the white lion and jumps into the air and landed on the other side of the bench

Chinese big drums

boom boom boom....brighter than the moon...

dragon dance entered the stage after the lion dance

SM Supermalls bossings phoot op with the lion and dragon

Emperor Chen gave thanks for our participation and support for their tele serye MY BINONDO GIRL

Richard Yap as Emperor Chen and Chris Tiu on stage.... all girls...old and young screamed

Emperor Chen infront of the water dragon statue

kung hei fat choy!

simulated fireworks and confetti drop

photo op time!

Chinese Symphony group performed again on stage

fellow bloggers greet us a happy new year

head of the lion

drums and the mask of that bald guy

Star Wars Episode 1: 3D movie poster in EDSA

2012-01-22T22:12:00.002+08:00

I spotted posters of the 3D movie version of Star Wars Episode 1: Phantom Menace in some waiting sheds in EDSA, when I saw this poster in Ayala, EDSA, I immediately took some photos and save it on my phone. I feel like a kid again whenever Star Wars mania is alive everywhere. I wonder what will be next after the 3D conversion of all Star Wars movies. Do they plan to have an IMAX version? or have a mega screening of the movie using a Blu Ray DVD? hmmm.

yeah! Star Wars movie mania is back here in blog!

I created my own Darth Vader cheeseburger

2012-01-22T20:53:00.004+08:00

Quick's Darth Vader Burger

French fast food chain "Quick" created this promotional burger in tie up with the upcoming Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace 3D, and it says on the news that the burger will be available in Quick fast food on March 1, the burger is not really burned but a burger with black dye. At first I thought that the black Darth Vader burger is made of squid ink.

After I discover that news few weeks ago, I decided creating my own Darth Vader burger at home using that big burger from Johnny Rockets...it was an accident when I switch the oven into 6 minutes and instead of 3 minutes, but then after the oven roast, I smiled because I created my own Darth Vader burger. Sometimes whenever I cook hotdogs, tocino or fried chicken, I create there my own series of Darth Vader food.

my own version of Dark Vader burger

Here's my own version Darth Vader burger, its easy to make one at home and there's no need to travel to go to France for that Darth burger. Best served with red light saber tomato ketchup.

source

View from the hospital window

2012-01-22T20:48:00.002+08:00

we're here in the hospital and my baby boy Ash is okay and fine, doctors already gave some antibiotics in him and hopefully we can take Ash home on Monday or Tuesday. I'll go home tonight and go back here in the morning. The photo above is a view from our hospital window, really an awesome view especially during sunset. I used my LG Optimus Black smartphone in taking this photo and using the Camera 360 app and set it using the night effects just to add drama to this photo.

video: Angry Birds Seasons - Year of the Dragon Animation

2012-01-22T20:45:00.003+08:00

Rovio just uploaded in YouTube and released their animation video of Angry Birds Seasons for the Year of the Dragon, watch the animation video and see the piggies and the birdies battle again with a funny twist. Happy Chinese New Year to all!

Fireworks popping, lanterns glowing, red envelopes bursting with money - it's Chinese New Year! This holiday is China's biggest and longest festival, a time for feasting with family and friends, setting off fireworks, and having fun. The Angry Birds are celebrating the start of the Year of the Dragon, but the piggies are trying to scare them away from their eggs! Luckily the Angry Birds have some help -- the Mighty Eagle has transformed into the fearsome Mighty Dragon!

Become a Facebook fan: http://www.facebook.com/angrybirds
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/angrybirds
Buy Angry Birds merchandise: http://shop.angrybirds.com

Download Angry Birds Seasons:
- iPhone or iPod touch http://bit.ly/ni2I2Q
- iPad ‪http://bit.ly/oc710R‬
- Android Market http://bit.ly/nt4oqq
- Apps for Android on Amazon http://amzn.to/oSNS6f
- Blackberry Playbook http://bit.ly/tazl77
- Nokia http://bit.ly/p9z8EM
Play Angry Birds on Google Chrome: http://chrome.angrybirds.com

Az Video Blog 2012 - Bloggers New Year's party in Johnny Rockets Eastwood Mall

2012-01-22T20:00:00.003+08:00

I didn't expected that our post new year's party will be wacky and fun, I thought that we will just eat and chat only with fellow bloggers through the whole night, the party makers organized a party games that night. I'm glad that Megaworld Corp. invited us to host the dinner and party for us bloggers, it was a truly fun night! yun na nga e...sobra wacky. Thanks Johnny Rockets and Eastwood City.

Thanks to my blogger friends who joined with us. This is my 1st video blog of the year 2012.

Mobile blog: talaba for lunch

2012-01-21T12:22:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: talaba for lunch, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: talaba for lunch

Mobile blog: Baby company meeting with mommy bloggers

2012-01-20T17:14:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: Baby company meeting with mommy bloggers, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: Baby company meeting with mommy bloggers

Mobile blog: aftermath meeting of BMSD Pilipinas and SM Supermalls. Awesome mtg of photogs and mall admin

2012-01-20T13:34:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: aftermath meeting of BMSD Pilipinas and SM Supermalls. Awesome mtg of photogs and mall admin, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: aftermath meeting of BMSD Pilipinas and SM Supermalls. Awesome mtg of photogs and mall admin

Food tripping at SM North EDSA Chinese street food fest in Sky Garden

2012-01-20T08:51:00.004+08:00

In celebration of the Chinese New Year and to welcome the coming of the year of the water dragon, SM City North EDSA put up a Chinese street food fest in the three walkway of their Sky Garden. So if you enter Sky Garden before entering the main mall, a Chinese food and spice breeze will welcome you and feel the flavors of China. Also the mall airs some announcement in Chinese language (but also translated into English), red dragons and lanterns hangs all over the mall and in Sky Garden too, the atmosphere transformed the mall all Chinese hahahaa. I observed that many people who walks by love street food, they buy and eat it on the spot and investigate what's the manang chef is cooking inside that stainless pan. I saw also some Chinese and Koreans trying out some of the food, most of them ordered the fried noodles with siomai. I went there with a couple of foodies to try out their offerings.

The Chinese street food fest at the Sky Garden of SM City North EDSA started last Jan 17 and it will be present up to Jan 23, 2012. 12nn - 9pm only. (more photos below)

Chicken Deli

Before we start our short food tour,we spotted Chicken Deli booth at the Sky Garden, they too joined the Chinese street food fest, we know that their style is a Bacolod original food recipe, they fit in as we pinoys love barbeque chicken inasal and pork. It's my first time to taste Chicken Deli and it tastes good.

Pork belly barbeque

Chicken parts on stick

Chicken large part on a stick :)

I can tell that this is the pork barbeque

Smokey! barbeque area

Customers trying out Chicken Deli

wow!! Sabaw all you can! I noticed that their price is very affordable

---
Govby's Food

And now our street food journey started here at the Govby's Food booth located at Sky Garden 2, They specializes in dimsums and shabu shabu. They also sell that ornaments with a golden pineapple and a mini fruit

I'm here staring at the small and big siopao, all of them are ready to be adopted

mini kitchen outside the mall

the lady now prepare's a shabu shabu soup

shrimp balls and other kinds of balls are joined by a hot spicy soup

I love siopao, so here's my order

Florencio enjoys eating his shabu shabu

Little Fellas

here's one of the top favorite food here in our street,these Hong Kong style fried noodles are so popular.

ready to fry noodles in a container

Blogger Aylin Veda checks out the frying master, you are not required to learn kung fu in order to cook the noodles.

Here's my fried noodles with siomai added with spice and chili garlic

---
Giant Chinese Dolls

It becomes a trend to SM City North EDSA to put up a giant set up infront of their Sky Garden and infront of the water falls. After the giant Mr and Mrs Santa Claus last December, and now for this month, they put up a cute and lovable giant Chinese Dolls

They are so cute! the giant dolls light up at night, best time to have a photo op with them are around 5:30pm before sunset

Here are our blogger friends

---

My Red Basket

My Red Basket specialty is all kinds of pao. I also tried their beancurd and it's the yummiest food ever for my on that day!

Checking out on the dimsums

I ordered this fried fish balls.... its a normal ball, but the spice added more life

Florencio ordered this Lobster balls

there's siomai, lumpia and chicken morcon, the tusok tusok food that we always order on the street.

blogger eaters!

-
Siomai House

Here's another best seller on the street that specializes all kinds of siomai and yummy cold gulaman

Fish and pork siomai, I think this is my first time to try a combination of fish and pork in a siomai, all I can say that this is a very heavy meal..I gave up after eating two siomai. Really good and affordable, best to eat it with a gulaman.

--
Chicken Deli

after our mini food tour, the owner of Chicken Deli treated us in their resto located at the Annex Bldg.

It's my first time to try their food here and I heard that Janese and Florencio are a regular customer here, Their batchoy is really good, not too salty, but on the right flavor.

As always..I pour on chicken's inasal oil on my chicken...

The halo halo is okay! the ingredients are packed under and top with...okay, I forgot what's on top, but it tastes like ube with a different color.

Blog suspension

2012-01-20T01:57:00.003+08:00

Last year, I started this new style in my blog having a schedule for topics on each day, this is an experiment for my blog and it will let my blog readers visit my blog on their specific day if ever they want to read and be updated on the topics that they like, its like having a content by demand by you have to wait for the next day if you want a different content, the flow of visitors doubled my stats, but I found that this style gave me a tough deadline and its like me vs. me, so every time that I forgot to blog on a specific day, all I need to do is blog the topic for the day and blog other topics and mark it as scheduled post.

The problem in my end is that, it creates more pressure on my side if ever there's no topic available to blog that day, so instead of forcing my self to search and create new content, I'll just blog the topic that falls under my interest and PR stuff that are sent to me.

The scheduled post per topic might be back soon, if ever my blogging beat is normalized.

Thanks everyone!
-az

Mobile blog: im here at the 17th philippine intl hot air balloon fiesta presscon here in rox bhs

2012-01-19T17:08:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: im here at the 17th philippine intl hot air balloon fiesta presscon here in rox bhs, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: im here at the 17th philippine intl hot air balloon fiesta presscon here in rox bhs

Nicolas Cage talks about a darker "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" movie and some comics stuff

2012-01-19T08:00:00.002+08:00

Here's an interesting Q and A with Nicolas Cage and he shared to us about a darker version of the 2nd movie installment of Ghost Rider. I just noticed that darker movies are the new trend, maybe because of the success of darker movies we know, the 2nd Ghost Rider film should follow the right path and go darker and scarier since it involves a lot of monsters and demons. Read the interview below and see what comics Nicolas Cage reads today. (more below)
Nicolas Cage returns as Johnny Blaze in Warner Bros.' 3D supernatural action-thriller "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance." In the film, Johnny - still struggling with his curse as the devil's bounty hunter - is hiding out in a remote part of Eastern Europe when he is recruited by a secret sect of the church to save a young boy from the devil. At first, Johnny is reluctant to embrace the power of the Ghost Rider, but it is the only way to protect the boy - and possibly rid himself of his curse forever.

During a press conference at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con, Cage assured fans that “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” will be scarier than his first outing as the comic book-inspired character. “This one, with directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, will go into the wonderful bliss of the nightmare imagination. I think it will be very entertaining.”

Check out the rest of Cage's thoughts about the film in the following interview.

             Q. What new things were you able to add to “Ghost Rider” this time?
             Nicolas Cage: When I was trying to think about how the Ghost Rider would move, I wanted to find something really weird, which would be like levitating in circles. We called it 'the compass' together, to mess with how he would attack his enemies. It was like trying to design a body language from another dimension that would hopefully scare you and entertain you.

             Q. Were there any stunts that really stood out for you, that really pushed your personal limits?
             Cage: All the wirework was very stimulating, but also very nauseating, literally. I was going around in circles, upside down, and I was really trying not to throw up because it kept spinning and spinning. It’s one of my favorite things that we all came up with together, so I’m glad it’s there. It was well worth it.

             Q. Did you have any pressure to make this film lighter?
             Cage: There’s a lot of humor to be found in sarcasm and darkness. You talk to any paramedic, they survive by developing a pretty off-kilter sense of humor. I think Blaze, with any luck, has that because he’s really dealing with the fact that his head goes on fire, for years now. In the first movie, he kept it at bay. He was more like an innocent goofball. In this movie, there’s been a little fiery tapdance on his head, for several years. I think it should change his personality quite a bit.

             Q. You played a character who had escaped from hell in “Drive Angry.” Are there any similarities or differences between that and this version of “Ghost Rider” ?
             Cage: They’re totally different. In “Drive Angry,” I was playing a living dead man. Blaze is a living man who turns into a demon, so it’s a totally different kind of energy. A living dead man has to be a little bit more dead, whereas a living man who turns into a ghost can still be very alive.

             Q. When you read comic books as a kid, it wasn’t always the coolest thing, but now you’re in a position in Hollywood to make those seemingly uncool things, cool for everybody. What’s it like to be in this moment in time, when all these characters you loved as a kid are being loved by the masses?
             Cage: I actually had a vision of it when I was 9, that this was going to happen. It took a while because we didn’t have the technology to make them come to life so magnificently, as we do today. It was always so goofy, the stupid costumes of “Spider-Man” in the old movies in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and “Captain America.” But now, it’s become all the rage because there’s something in it for everybody. It’s perfect entertainment. It’s exciting for me. I love seeing all the movies happen.

             Q. What comics do you read now? What are you passionate about?
             Cage: I was into Planet Hulk. I thought that was pretty inspired stuff. I went back in time and looked at Batman vs. Predator. I just had to see who won that battle. There’s a lot of fun stuff. It’s always a good experience to go shopping in a local comic book shop.

             Q. Who won that battle?
             Cage: It was kind of a tie-breaker, but they usually are. I think Batman won, which was a bit of a stretch.

             Brian Taylor: We’ve decided that Ghost Rider can kill all the other superheroes. Ghost Rider can beat Superman.
             Cage: Because he has the penance stare, and everyone’s done something wrong. He will just look at you over and over and over and over again.

(Opening across the Philippines on February, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.)

Underworld Awakening in IMAX 3D this January 20

2012-01-19T08:00:00.001+08:00

I'm sure that this new movie of Underworld will be much more better than the 1st and 2nd movie, and we gave Kate Beckinsale more time back then and for this new movie we should see a much better Kate Beckinsale as the warrior vampire named Selene. I'm really excited to see this because you know that the visuals will be good in IMAX 3D, I just hope that some visuals are not too much CGI or over do in taking the advantage of the IMAX 3D features (more below)
- press release -

IMAX Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment recently announced that “Underworld Awakening,” the fourth installment in the popular supernatural-action franchise produced by Lakeshore Entertainment along with creator Len Wiseman, will be released to IMAX digital theatres simultaneously with the film's worldwide release on Friday, Jan. 20. The latest chapter in the Underworld saga marks the return of Kate Beckinsale in the title role of Selene and is the first of the series to be filmed in 3D and released in IMAX.

"Underworld is one of Screen Gems' most important franchises, so it's important to us to present the movie as its fans want to see it: on the IMAX screen," said Rory Bruer, president of Worldwide Distribution for Sony Pictures Releasing.

"The Underworld franchise has established a dedicated fan following and we think `Underworld Awakening' will serve as a terrific kick off to our robust 2012 film slate," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment.

The IMAX release of “Underworld Awakening” will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX 3D Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

“Underworld Awakening” brings a stunning new dimension to the epic battle between Vampires and Lycans, as the first film in the franchise to shoot in 3D. Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.

Directed by Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein, the film is produced by Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Len Wiseman, and Richard Wright. Len Wiseman wrote the initial story for “Underworld Awakening” which is based on characters created by Kevin Grevioux and Wiseman. The screenplay was written by John Hlavin, J. Michael Straczyinski, Allison Burnett and Wiseman.

Opening across the Philippines on Friday, Jan. 20 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theaters, “Underworld Awakening” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Robert Downey Jr. is back as Sherlock Holmes in "A Game of Shadows" (now showing)

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000+08:00

Robert Downet Jr. (one of my now favorite actor since that movie about him and some ghosts) is back again as the world's smartest detective and he is back for the 2nd movie of Sherlock Holmes with a new story and mystery shocker in this "A Game of Shadows" storyline.

“One of the most important things about the first movie was to get away from the somewhat dustier, if you will, impression of the character that I think many people were expecting. In keeping with Conan Doyle’s original creation, we wanted to access the physicality of Holmes while conveying his intelligence and wit, and Robert brought all that and more to the equation. There were a lot of little nuances going on that added so much to the role. I find it impossible now to imagine anyone else as Sherlock Holmes.” - Director Guy Ritchie

“I love working with Guy; it’s such a collaborative process and he has a terrific sense of humor that really comes into play here. On this film, there was an element of rediscovering Sherlock Holmes all over again. We wanted to maintain that sense of fun but with even more gravitas.” - Robert Downey Jr.

The movie is a big duel of the best of minds in this story line and the main villain is Professor James Moriarty played by Jared Harris, made a cameo on the 1st movie and want to capitalize on Lord Blackwood's work, one of the 1st villain in the movie.

We wanted to maintain the visceral tone that was part of Guy’s original vision, while presenting Holmes with an even more difficult case, one that would challenge his considerable skills. We see the aftereffects of Holmes having been consumed with Moriarty, to the point that he’s clearly kind of ‘nutting up.’ He’s focused on him to the exclusion of everything else, including, quite possibly, his own sanity," - Robert Downey Jr.

“Because they are intellectual equals to a degree, there is the sense that this is a game that is stimulating to them both. In this way, they actually need each other, and that idea is authentic to the books. Holmes needs Moriarty as much as Moriarty needs Holmes.” - Director Guy Ritchie

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is now showing in all theaters, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Mobile blog: food tripping in sm north edsa. We are here in chiken deli

2012-01-18T19:16:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: food tripping in sm north edsa. We are here in chiken deli, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: food tripping in sm north edsa. We are here in chiken deli

My reactions and some rants about....

2012-01-18T13:50:00.003+08:00

I support #wikipediablackout! Show your support here tinyurl.com/7vq4o8g

The Search for Asia's Top Glam Bloggers is On!

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000+08:00

GlamAsia.com, a fashion website and blog, operated by Glam Media ( the 2nd largest social media company in the world) is hosting a contest for fashion and beauty bloggers and the adies, they are searching who will be the Asia's Top Glam Bloggers! And yes! Philippines is included.

The contest is open for everyone, to established bloggers and newbies bloggers. The prize is a luxury resort stay for two.

Submission of blogs will start on Feb. 1, 2012
visit http://blogs.glamasia.com/bloggersearch/

David Finch

2012-01-17T16:34:00.000+08:00

just sharing...

Mobile blog: spotted this cute android thing in market market

2012-01-16T20:16:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: spotted this cute android thing in market market, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: spotted this cute android thing in market market

photo coverage: Feast of the Black Nazarene 2012

2012-01-16T14:29:00.000+08:00

This is my 3rd year in attending the procession and taking photos of the Black Nazarene during its annual feast here in Manila, although the schedule landed on a Monday, its a weekday and workday for everyone, me sis and I decided to split our schedules, she went to church on a Sunday and me for Monday, I was about to join with her for that Sunday mass but my son got sick for the entire day and I stayed home and nurse him back to health, I'm glad that he's okay after that day.

I was preparing to gear up to attend a meeting in Manila and then go to Quiapo church on the next day, our attention was grabbed by that news about a terrorist threat in all over Quiapo during its feast. Our government even requested the telco giants to pull the plug of their cell sites in some regions of Manila just to prevent bomb blast with a use of cellphone devices that trigger after a call or sms message.

My wife told me not to go, so I decided not to go, but then I saw my schedule that I need to attend a meeting, so after my meeting in SM MOA, I went directly to Quiapo, and prepared for another photo walk shoot. I know my wife will kill me if she saw this blog post, I'm a bit worried on that day,so I acted vigilant and be alert if there are any bombing scenes in the area, the worries was gone and felt secured around thousands of devotees and (fanatics) of the Black Nazarene. The whole scene didn't change, the only thing that changes everything is the broken axel and wheel that carries the Black Nazarene statue.. So in result to that is a super slow, super crawl movement..it took them 5 hours to move from City Hall up to Lawton, so that my story started.

check my photos below

(photo above by Kevin Pableo)

The reason why I don't have a nice photo of the Black Nazarene is that I waited for 5 hours and its hard to take a better photo at around 6pm. I'm glad that the movement of the Black Nazarene normalized after 6pm, the time that I arrived infront of Him and experience being squished for the 1st time. Thanks to fellow blogger Kevin Pableo for sharing his photo to be posted here in my blog.

My day started here after a bus ride that ends in Quirino Ave. only, they avoided the way going to Lawton, because the procession is still active there, I rode the MRT going to Carriedo station.

This is my view after riding and going down from the LRT station, I just predicted that the Black Nazarene haven't reached its next stop here in Carriedo. I observed and see the position of the crowd as they face on the route that the procession will come from, so I headed there and walk under the hot sun.

Saw lifesize replica of the Black Nazarene in Carriedo and waiting for the original statue to arrive (which I know that it is also a replica)

The place started to be so crowded, people are waiting here and they already blocked the road, the time here is 2:00pm, I walked as fast as I can because the Nazarene might arrived at around 3pm.

I went around the barricade and reached the open main road

Spotted street singers who normally stayed in Carriedo, they already occupied the bridge and still continues to sing to the crowd. After taking a photo, I donated P10 in their box.

There are news report that people fell into the river while they are doing the procession, because of the crowded scene, people sometimes accidentally fell here. Here are our rescue team doing some patrol, you can also spot a group of musical band standing under the bridge's beam post.

Vendors are everywhere, I'm sure this guy is going home now after he sold all of his sweet drinks

I spotted people laughing in this area after they saw a defective motor raft being revived by the rescue team

Replicas arrived, here they used their own tricycle as carriage for their Nazarene replicas. All people are barefooted.

My usual view every year, I love this angle and I always take a photo of this scene. Its funny also that there are some teenagers love to be photographed, whenever I click my camera they just smiled and others covers their face.

I just arrived in Lawton

My dream spot every year, this is the under pass going to the other side of the road, the people standing on the roof are accredited media and press people, I always wish to join them there, because the view is perfect, they brought their own steel stairs in going up to the roof and now they provided their own tent.

Because that I don't have any choice on where to stay, so I decided to hop in to the roof of the overpass on the other side, it will be my 3rd time to stay there.

I bought a bottled water before I climbed up, the people stands there allowed me to go up first since I'm a photographer, they helped to guide on where to climb and hold onto, we still use the old rust steel stair in climbing up, same old worries - the steel stair is not fixed and still hangs with no support from the roof. Thanks to the people who helped me climb up and secure the stair to be safe for everyone.

i noticed that the roof is not that jam packed, but then I discovered that the some parts of the good spot there has a wet spot area, an inch of rain water, I have no choice but to stand there and soak my Nike shoes with dirty rain water.

Photo shooters on the 3rd over pass

They say that Globe and Smart turned off their cellphone signal, I checked on my Globe phone and saw that there's no signal, then I saw my Smart phone has a small signal, then after some minutes I received a text message, then I heard from people nearby that they are having a hard time sending txt messages to their friends who got lost in the crowd, even that the signal is low, sending txt messages always fail.

More replicas arrived

People on top and near the replica catches towels thrown by the devotees, they scrub the towel in to the replica's body , face and hands, and then they throw it back to the person who owns the towel.

Crowd starts to build up, it means that the Nazarene is near

Devotees bring their kids and even baby in a stroller in the procession site.

We heard that the Nazarene is near, I took this photo and saw that the Nazarene is infront of City Hall, but then we waited till 5pm and the Nazarene didn't arrive, it got stuck there for almost 5 hours.

A way of going up and down

Devotee on a wheel chair

Foreign photographer spotted using a film camera

Another scene of bringing their kids to the procession site

More replicas.....

On the other side of the over pass, here's a way to go down.

More replicas.....the Nazarene is nearby

A close photo of our fellow shooters

spotted! Street photographer using his iPhone in taking photo of us on the roof

Pray hard....it works! nuff said..

Dirty foot of the lady near me, she sits on the roof waiting for the Nazarene.

Another baby spotted....haahah she looks tired under the scorching sun and noisy environment

Mayor Lim arrives.....

Mayor Lim greeted us and inspects if everything is okay

Mayor Lim and the devotees

ABS CBN Sky Patrol hovers for an hour...observing and reporting for TV and Radio

The Nazarene is still there and got stuck

Avatar....more fun in the Philippines ahhaha

All of them got tired and sleep on the road

Darkness comes...this is my photo around sunset, spotted a nice cloud formation in the horizon

I decided to go down and walk towards the Nazarene, the sun will be gone for a few minutes and I need to take a good photo of the Nazarene. Here's my photo infront of the City Hall.

Saw Him!!! finally...sorry for the blurry images

infront of me... I used my pop up flash to capture it clearly and with no blur..but then Its hard to take photos when the people around you are busy and squishing you in and out of the crowd.

The crowd becomes quiet after The Black Nazarene passed by

The movement of the procession lasted for a second infront of me

It went directly to Lawton, and I'm sure our fellow photo shooters got a top view of the procession at night.

So that's my coverage for this year....see you again for 2013.

Dragon in Manila Hotel

2012-01-16T09:27:00.002+08:00

I saw this big dragon display in the lobby of Manila Hotel, this is in line with the year of the water dragon for the Chinese New Year 2012, we went here last Saturday and it surprises every guest that enters the hotel, the dragon is hang on the ceiling and it stretches from the start of the lobby up to the stairs going to the resto and pavillion rooms. This angle is a good spot for photo op, My wife had a photo op here after having our lunch date in Mabuhay Palace. I've heard that Marites Allen will be here next week to conduct a live forecast, we spotted also a mini bazaar of all kinds of things related to Chinese new year and the water dragon.

I wonder if this dragon will be up til the end of January. Now I'm guessing that they might hang a giant "heart" for the Valentines Day this February hahahah.

Coca-Cola 100 years billboard in North EDSA

2012-01-16T09:20:00.002+08:00

I saw this new billboard of Coca-Cola and they showed it to the public that they are now celebrating its 100th anniversary, ohh wow! I didn't know that Coca-Cola is a century old. Congrats Coca-Cola for bringing happiness to all of us.

Mobile blog : the Faceboard of SM MOA

2012-01-14T17:56:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog : the Faceboard of SM MOA, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog : the Faceboard of SM MOA

Mobile blog: saw this life story geeky magazine issue

2012-01-14T17:53:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: saw this life story geeky magazine issue, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: saw this life story geeky magazine issue

Mobile blog: date with misis in Mabuhay Palace in Manila Hotel

2012-01-14T12:26:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: date with misis in Mabuhay Palace in Manila Hotel, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: date with misis in Mabuhay Palace in Manila Hotel

Mobile blog: its dinner time! Thanks maxs

2012-01-12T18:37:00.001+08:00

Mobile blog: its dinner time! Thanks maxs, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

Mobile blog: its dinner time! Thanks maxs

Bree Bags sale up to 50% off in Podium Mall today - Jan 12-19, 2012

2012-01-12T14:04:00.000+08:00

Created with flickr slideshow.

Shopping is not yet over, especially with trend of having this end of season sale, January is not the month that we end in buying cool items with great deals, but also a way of taking the advantage of renovation sale just like this ongoing sale by Bree bags, they are having their own Renovation Sale this January 12 - 19, 2012, grab a deal of all items with 50% off. Visit their branch in Podium mall.

The famous German brand Bree offers both classic and modern designs, and has won numerous design awards including International Leathergoods Award 2009, Ok! Style Award 2010 and other various international awards. Using top quality material, Bree bags are practical, attractive and durable. Bree’s range of products includes business and leisure bags with all necessary accessories (wallets, change purses, etc.), and a complete travel collection.

Get your FREE Katy Perry concert tickets here! (join and win tickets)

2012-01-11T10:48:00.000+08:00

its now up!!

Katy Perry is coming to the Philippines! Here's your chance to get 2 tickets to see her California Dreams Tour live at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds! All you have to do is answer 6 simple questions about the blogger known as Azrael! Doesn't get any easier than this! So what are you waiting for? Start guessing!For those who want to know Azrael better, you can check out his website:

visit this CONTEST PAGE!!!!

photos: Mikey Bustos bloggers conference

2012-01-11T09:58:00.000+08:00

Last night was the 1st ever bloggers conference event with Mikey Bustos, all of us were introduced to Mikey Bustos, the man behind that YouTube tutorials about pinoy stuff, he also shared to us his endorsement for Chicharon ni Mang Juan by Jack n Jill. Here are our photos from last night's event. Thanks everyone for coming and for the support to Mikey!

more photos below
to save your pic
just click on the pic
and then select "actions" and then "view all sizes"
then let the pic load and then save!

New Deviantart wear Tees

2012-01-10T16:05:00.001+08:00

I haven't bought a new shirt last year 2011, you know that I buy DA shirts every year whenever they have new designs and release, well, its a way of supporting their site and for giving us a great venue for storing and sharing arts worldwide.

check out below of the new released tshirts from Deviantart
more here at http://shop.deviantart.com/?view=devwear&section=31944348

Cross Brush

Sketchy

Fancy Llama

Nike Running 2012 Spring Collection : LunarEclipse+ 2 running shoes

2012-01-10T15:54:00.000+08:00

Nike's new running shoes for this 2012, the "LunarEclipse+ 2 " was released inline with their 2012 Spring Collection. The LunarEclipse+ 2 is a remodeled design adapating to new features and also using the old LunarEclipse shoe feature, that includes the cushioning and the lightweightness of the shoe. The most interesting part of the LunarEclipse+ 2 is the introduction of the "Dynamic Fit Technology". (more below)

It is a new tech and innovation added to the LunarEclipse+ 2, carefully researched and applied by Nike's Innovation Kitchen and Sports Research Lab, the Dynamic Fit tech is designed to eliminate the space between the foot and the show for a customized git that you feel like you have a second skin wrapped into the body of your foot and it can fit even if you have big or smaller feet. It wraps like a glove that prevents you for foot slips that results to injury and also give you great comfort and stability when you run. When you tighten up the shoe lace of the LunarEclipse+ 2 , you can achieve a perfect fit because the laces are connected to that Dynamic fit midfoot cage.

here's a video explaning the Dynamic Fit Tech

This new feature of the LunarEclipse+ 2 with the Dynamic fit Technology innovation by Nike, the runners can put their self into full potential, you can run forever and go with the flow of the wind while running thanks to the ultra soft Lunarlon cushioning that gives a smooth ride and the innovative Dynamic Support stability system for the smooth impact.

for Women

for Men

and for other info LunarEclipse+ 2

Dynamic Support is a two-part midsole system working in tandem with the ultra-plush Lunarlon cushioning to provide stability and support. Opposing wedges of foam move the runner from soft to stable as the heel lands and the foot flexes down, providing for an easy, gradual transition and a smooth ride. The Fitsole 4 sockliner provides extra support and comfort by combining two densities of foam – one more resilient, one a little softer for increased smooth transition. The LunarEclipse+2 also features a TPU heel cup that works with the heel clip for superior fit and support.

it will be available in all stores this January 13
price: LunarEclipse+ - PHP 6, 495

check this video of the collaboration of Nike and make up artist Joanne Gair, as it shows the feature of the shoe and also how art interprets it

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I like the design of this shoes, its an original design and even that the cushion part is available in other running shoe brands, but still have its own originality and identity, I'm not into running or sports activity, but I love wearing soft cushioned shoes, because of my weight and my problem of planting my feet so hard on the ground that's why I require myself wearing running shoes with soft cushion, the real deal between these soft cushioning is to protect you from injuries and as I mentioned earlier it helps me walk properly and walk longer. with the Dynamic Fit Technology, I'm curious to try it, but I know for sure that this new tech can help stablizing ourself, you know that I learned from a test that my feet and legs are not inline and that's why my running or walking tires me fast and feet and legs are on the wrong position. I'm sure the Dynamic Fit Tech can also helpful to people who have injuries, just to correct the line of our feet while we walk.Its an awesome tech released by Nike

Nike Running Spring 2012 Collection : Vapor jackets

2012-01-10T15:28:00.001+08:00

Nike Philippines announced the availability of their Spring 2012 collection in all stores here in Manila, one of the new added Nike wearables are the vapor jackets. These vapor jackets are so lightweight and if you wear it you can feel that you are wearing nothing, it is designed for runners who don't stop running and practicing even if there's a slight rain or heavy downpour, it protects the wearer of the vapor jackets from rain splashes and powerful winds. (More below)

The Vapor jackets can warm up your body without any using thick layers or jackets, the light sheer fabric shell made of ripstop fabric is internally flocked (fibres adhered to the surface in a pattern) to maximize breathability by preventing the jackets from sticking to the skin.

The vapor jackets has two version, one designed for male which is the "Hurricane Vapor Jacket" and one for female the "Cyclone Vapor Jacket. When I first saw the jacket online via photos, I thought that it is a perfect jacket for cold weather, but then I learned that it is perfect to combat and survive under the rain and windy condition. This is recommended for runners and people who are into outdoor activities, I also found a great jacket for hikers and also to bikers or even the casual wearers of Nike,I like this since it is lightweight and it will not make you sweat under it.

available in all stores
price: Hurricane Vapor Jacket and Cyclone Vapor Jacket - PHP 4, 795

photo and video via http://www.nikeblog.com/2012/01/06/video-nike-cyclone-vapor-jacket/

Wear ENSEMBLES and get a free trip to Boracay (if you won in their contest)

2012-01-10T14:50:00.001+08:00

Our friends from the Fashion Marketing Executive of Ensembles, Freeway, Solo and 22BC just informed me that they will launch this awesome contest and the prize is an all expense paid trip for two to Boracay, a special summer getaway after the stressful holiday. This promo is not yet posted officially on their website and Facebook and that info will be uploaded in a few days, but here's an info posted in my blog to make you prepare and gather all those photos or even create your own photo shoot as entry for the contest, just don't forget to wear your favorite Ensembles outfit (details below)

Ensembles is kicking this off by giving away an All Expense Paid BORACAY TRIP for TWO! Join Ensembles Facebook Photo Contest this January 16 and reach for 20,000 Facebook likes. Once we reach this, a lucky fan will be basking with her companion under the sun! Just upload a photo of you wearing your fave Ensembles outfit, tell us why you chose this photo and ask your friends to like it. The entry with the best answer and most number of likes by the time we announce, wins!

To join the contest, visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/EnsemblesOnline and www.ensembles.com.ph for the full mechanics.

Full mechanics will be upload in their sites and Facebook. Its a tough competition when it comes to Facebook likes voting, I wonder if they have read Facebook's Terms of Service regarding the use of Likes as votes, anyway, I'm sure it will be a riot competition, good luck to all!

DETAILS

invitation: UNO Jewelry Fashion Show "RENAISSANCE WOMEN"

2012-01-10T14:35:00.000+08:00

I just received an invitation from UNO Magazine in partnership with Naomi jewelry, its a benefit fashion show for World Vision, they are inviting individuals and company to join and sponsor this event, you may read the invitation below.

Good day,

To open year 2012 and to usher in the Year of the Dragon, UNO Magazine in partnership with Naomi Jewelry bring you RENAISSANCE WOMEN, a benefit fashion show for World Vision. Naomi will be launching a limited edition World Vision piece which will be sold in Naomi stores. Proceeds of the sales of the pieces will be donated to World Vision.

RENAISSANCE WOMAN is set on Feb. 3, 2012, at the Genting Club, Resorts World Manila.

With this, we would like to invite you to be part of this event. Attached are our packages. Kindly let us know if you wish to work with us in this project.

Thank you very much and Happy Dragon Year to you!

I won't post the packages here, just contact me if you are interested to join and I can forward you to the people organizing this show, I just don't have a big budget to meet the (big) package rate. But I like to help and hope someone in there are willing to sponsor the show.